Dutch designer Dave Hakkens has updated his series of Precious Plastic machines, which anyone can build and use to make products by recycling the material.
Blueprints for the new machines, which the designer described as "a solution to plastic pollution", are now available online for anyone to download and build.
The devices are made using everyday materials and basic tools that are available all over the world.
For further information and access to the blue prints see:-
Speciality packaging manufacturer, Parkside, has developed in conjunction with a technology partner, a revolutionary protective packaging solution for the transport of high value, delicate items in a compact format.
United Kingdom, 21 April 2016 - Rockpocket™ is a flexible laminated bag that contains polystyrene beads between its outer layers. A vacuum extraction pump is applied to the pack to evacuate the air between layers, which creates a solid pack that protects goods from damage during transit.
Developed over several months by the Advanced Packaging Expert (APEX) innovation team at Parkside, Rockpocket is available in multiple sizes and offers a lightweight and compact solution for the transportation of items.
Steve McCormick, new product development director at Parkside, said: “More people than ever before are shopping online and Rockpocket offers the ideal solution for online retailers who want to ensure their customers receive items in perfect condition.
“The design is totally versatile, creating a protective packaging around any shape of item and we can print bespoke high definition graphics and branding on pack to meet customer requirements.”
Many secondary and security packaging solutions that offer full product protection are a combination of several packaging materials such as boxes, void fill and bubble wrap. Rockpocket, however, is a ‘one pack fits all’ solution, requiring no additional packaging and eliminating the need to over-pack products in order to achieve a high level of protection. Packaging waste is reduced significantly as a result.
The outer film is manufactured from recyclable LDPE or PET and the pack itself is made from up to 90 per cent air, reducing transportation weight and the associated carbon footprint and costs.
As no assembly is required, the design speeds up the packing process and its flat edges enhance ease of packing and stacking.
Tamper proof sealing tabs and document windows can be incorporated into the pack design, as well as track and trace features such as an RFID tag or embedded image.
To enhance its environmental credentials even further, Parkside is developing a valve less Rockpocket pack that will be made from 100 per cent compostable materials, enabling the pack to compost at the end of its service life.
Paula Birch, Parkside’s Head of Sales commented: “Brands understand the importance of their packaging in the online retail world and the “moment of truth” is often disappointing today, which consumers are happy to share on social media. Goods are often over-packed in dull secondary packaging materials, wasting valuable communication opportunities and consumer engagement. The branding and packing efficiency opportunities that Rockpocket offer are significant and a number of online retailers are exploring it for their next generation packaging solution as a result.
The purchase price of US$435 million represents 8.5 times PBITDA. Alusa – which includes Alusa (Chile), Peruplast (Peru), Aluflex (Argentina) and Flexa (Colombia) – is owned by Techpack S.A. and Nexus Private Equity.
Amcor, 18th April 2016 - The business has four plants and a broad range of capabilities including film extrusion, flexographic and gravure printing and lamination. It is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer and supplier in Chile and Peru, and a leading participant in Colombia and Argentina, with one plant in each of these four countries.
Alusa has strong, long standing relationships with large multinational and regional customers and generates sales of approximately US$375 million from the supply of flexible packaging for food, personal care and pet food applications.
Inclusive of synergy benefits of approximately US$25 million and growth in the underlying markets, PBIT is expected to be approximately US$65 million at the end of year three. The return on cash invested is expected to have reached approximately 15% at that time, taking into account costs to be incurred to realise synergies and working capital benefits. Given the unique and scalable position this provides in the South American region, further growth opportunities underpinned by a strong customer value proposition provide a pathway for returns to reach 20% by the end of year five.
Amcor CEO and Managing Director, Ron Delia said: “With the creation of a new Flexibles Americas Business Group in July 2015, there was an expectation this business could accelerate growth in both North and South America. It is pleasing that over a relatively short period of time, our flexible packaging sales in the region will almost double to nearly US$1 billion with the acquisition of Alusa, and the recently completed acquisition of Deluxe Packages in the USA."
“Alusa comes with a strong management team and provides a unique platform in an important growth region. A large number of Amcor’s multinational customers operate in South America, and this acquisition significantly improves our ability to support their needs and to grow with them in these markets.
“Along with our leadership positions in Europe and Asia, Amcor’s customer value proposition will substantially improve with a strong presence in South America. A truly global product offering differentiates Amcor in the flexible packaging marketplace, positioning us as a partner of choice for customers.”
Techpack S.A. is listed on the Santiago Stock exchange. The acquisition is subject to approval by Techpack shareholders as well as approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. Completion is expected in the coming months.
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242